Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson,

I am appealing to drop course HIST 244 (Winter 2019) from my transcript.

I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist, Dr. Anna Lisa Reisman (M.D, F.R.C.P.), on December 21, 2018 with severe depression and anxiety (letters provided). It was her professional opinion that my Queen¿¿s University exchange program at the University of Glasgow in the Fall 2018 term triggered an episode of seasonal affective disorder and was a factor in bringing on major depression. My hope was that upon my return to Canada in December and the continuation of my school studies at Queen¿¿s University in January 2019, the familiar setting would help me to adjust and resume my normal routine and continue to perform at a high level (I was on the Dean¿¿s Honour Roll the previous academic year).

However, I underestimated both the severity of the condition and my ability to master the situation. Although I attempted to complete the work in each course over the period of the winter term, I began struggling once again to organize my work habits and meet deadlines to submit assignments in late February through to the end of the semester. I had difficulty sleeping, which in turn affected my memory and concentration and resulted in social withdrawal. For the last few months of the semester, I was unable to leave my room and participate in academic life as usual. In HIST 244, I was not able to submit any of the required essays from late February through to April, although I did take the final exam on April 17th.

Even in the courses where I was able to complete some or most of the course requirements, I am disappointed in the quality of my work. However, at this point, I would like to get the credits in those courses so that I can continue with my degree. Therefore, I am seeking to appeal to drop only one of my courses. I did not drop the course earlier in the term because I persisted in believing that I could still somehow manage to complete the assignments, even if submitted late. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case.

I would like to be able to complete my fourth-year courses this coming school year, if I am able. I intend to pursue a more intensive level of treatment to address my mental health in the hopes that I can manage the course load as I did in my first and second academic years. I am submitting a physician¿¿s note from my family doctor in support of this appeal. I have a referral from her to Sunnybrook Mental Health Services to commence treatment. My plan is also to schedule regular cognitive behavioural therapy sessions during the 2019-2020 school term.

I do not wish to repeat the experience I had at university this past year; that would be unproductive and self-defeating and there would be no point. I have always been a strong student and my grades are very important to me, and there is no sense in returning to school if I cannot be assured that I will be successful in adjusting to the pressures and challenges of the university curriculum and do well in my courses. My intention is to take the necessary additional course during the 2019-2020 academic year. I have acquired a sufficient number of credits thus far so that I only need to take four courses each term next year, and so will be able to take one extra in either semester.

I believe that with these additional supports, I will be able to manage a fifth course in one of the following terms. If I come to realize that the course load is too heavy and I am unable to cope or find that I starting to experience similar feelings as I did this past year, I will withdraw from an appropriate number of courses so that I can manage the remainder of the course load. I will then make up the needed credits in the summer or the following school year.

Thank you for your consideration of my appeal,

Celia Bulger
20019040